Dubrovnik: Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour & City Tour

REVIEW · DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik: Blue Cave, Elaphiti Islands Boat Tour & City Tour

  • 4.75 reviews
  • 6 hours
  • From $70
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Operated by MARINERO excursions · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Blue Cave light is the star. This 6-hour Dubrovnik boat tour is built around Blue Cave swims and a small group pace that keeps the day moving without feeling rushed. On a speedboat, it’s not a fit if you’re prone to seasickness or you have back or heart issues.

I like how the crew keeps you in the action but still gives real break time for photos, a calm swim, and relaxing on deck. The English-speaking team, including guides Caroline and Frank, makes the history stop feel easy to follow, not like a lecture. You also get a strong finale in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where the medieval streets and the famous city walls are right there when your legs finally need a break from the water.

Value-wise, I think this is a fair deal at $70 per person because it bundles boat transport, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and drinks into one day (and it runs about 6 hours). What you need to plan for: towels and food are not included, so bring a towel and keep some cash for snacks or lunch.

Key highlights worth planning around

  • Blue Cave timing for swimming: You get a break built around entering the cave area and actually getting in the water, not just looking from the deck.
  • Elaphiti Islands in a small group: Stops are set so you can walk, snorkel, and cool off without spending the whole day waiting.
  • Snorkeling gear is included: You don’t have to hunt for rentals—life jackets and snorkeling gear are part of the setup.
  • Two different island vibes (Lopud vs. Sipan): Lopud feels calmer for beach and strolling, while Sipan includes time for wine tasting.
  • Old Town after the sea: You end in Dubrovnik’s UNESCO Old City, so you’re not forced into a city tour before you’re tired.

Where the day starts on Lapadska obala

Your meeting point is Lapadska obala 5 in Dubrovnik. Arrive at least 10 minutes early so check-in doesn’t eat into your time on the water. This start location matters because it gets you quickly into the rhythm of the trip—board, briefing, then off toward Kolocep and the Elaphiti Islands.

The tour runs in English with a live guide, so you’ll understand what you’re seeing as you go. I also like that the day is structured around a boat—this is Croatia’s coast in motion—so you’re not stuck doing long bus transfers just to reach one viewpoint.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Dubrovnik

Speedboat pacing and why 6 hours works

The total day is 6 hours, built around short speedboat rides (usually measured in minutes) and several planned stops. That pacing is a big deal. You’re not committing to an all-day cruise with one long sightseeing segment; you’re getting multiple swims and multiple photo moments, then ending with the walkable Old Town.

The boat itself is described as new and luxurious, and you’ll travel with two crew members on each boat. With snorkeling gear and life jackets already handled, you spend less time organizing and more time doing the fun parts—floating, swimming, and taking photos.

Real talk: a speedboat means more motion. If you’re sensitive to waves, this is one of those tours you should think twice about. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users and people with back or heart problems, so your comfort and safety are clearly part of the planning.

Kolocep’s Blue Cave: the swim-and-photo moment

The tour kicks off with the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. You approach by boat, then there’s a break that includes a photo stop and time to visit before you get the chance to swim and snorkel in the cave area.

What makes this stop memorable is the way the cave changes the light. Sunlight filtering through the water creates bright blue tones around you, and the rocky formations make it feel like you’re inside a natural photo studio. This is the part of the day where it’s worth being ready to move quickly—bring your swimwear and sunscreen, keep your camera handy, and expect a short window where conditions look their best.

A practical tip: bring sunglasses and keep an eye on sun exposure. Even when you’re in the water, you can still get hit by strong Adriatic sun during a cave stop. Also, towels are not provided—so plan to dry off afterward with your own.

Elaphiti Islands hopping: how each stop feels different

After the cave, the boat moves through the Elaphiti Islands. This is where the day shifts from “one big wow spot” to a series of smaller, quieter scenes—coves, beaches, and island villages where you can step off the boat and breathe for a moment.

The Elaphiti Islands are visited across multiple stops, and the tour gives you guided context plus self-guided time. That combo is useful. You get explanations where they help, then you’re free to walk at your own pace, find a good spot by the water, and decide how long you want to snorkel.

Lopud Island: beaches, walking time, and easy island breaks

Lopud is set up for a relaxed island rhythm. The stop includes time for photos and sightseeing, plus room for a self-guided stroll. You can wander around old stone areas, then choose your version of downtime: sit near the sea, enjoy a swim, or snorkel in clearer shallows when conditions allow.

Lopud’s value for this tour is simple: it gives you a break from speedboat motion. It’s one of the stops where you can stretch your legs, take your time, and not feel like you’re always rushing back to board.

The schedule also lists options like beer, cocktails, coffee or tea, and time for lunch or dessert. Since food isn’t listed as included, treat meals as optional add-ons. Drinks are included, so you may find a few beverage options during island time, but you should still plan financially for anything you eat beyond what’s covered.

Sipan Island: village time plus a wine-tasting window

Next up is Sipan, the largest of the Elaphiti Islands. This stop leans toward village-style exploring. You’ll have time for sightseeing and walking, with another chance to swim and snorkel.

Sipan also includes a wine tasting option in the schedule. Because food isn’t included, I recommend treating wine tastings and any meals as pay-as-you-go choices unless you’re told otherwise for your departure. Even if you skip wine, the stop still works because it gives you enough time to enjoy the island feel rather than only sprinting from one photo angle to another.

If you enjoy slow travel moments—people watching, short walks, and a little time off the boat—Sipan fits that mood well. The island is also a good counterbalance after cave time: less light drama, more everyday island life.

Back to Kolocep: more coves, more water time

The itinerary brings you to Kolocep again after Sipan, with another break that includes photos, sightseeing, and time to swim or snorkel. This matters because it means the Blue Cave moment isn’t the only water experience you get. You also get additional coves and scenic stops where the coastline does a lot of the work.

This second Kolocep segment is great if you want more time in the water but you didn’t get enough snorkeling or swimming during the cave portion. It’s also helpful if you’re the type who wants to come back for another look when the light shifts.

Practical note: bring sunscreen even for the second island stop. UV doesn’t care about schedules, and you’ll still be on the water and in sun-exposed viewpoints.

Dubrovnik Old Town: finishing with UNESCO streets and city walls

Once the boat day winds down, you return to Dubrovnik and finish in Old Town. This is where the tour pays off for people who want both nature and culture.

You’ll have time to explore the historic medieval core and key landmarks like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, plus the famous city walls area. It’s a good sequence: you use the boat day to enjoy the coast first, then you end on solid ground with walkable streets, shops, and time to slow down after swimming.

I’d plan this part like a mini-city day. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be on stone streets. If you’re hungry, grab something to eat in Old Town—just remember the tour doesn’t include food, and you may be transitioning from a saltwater swim mindset into a walking-and-snacking mindset.

What $70 covers, and why it’s a good value

At $70 per person for about 6 hours, I think the value is strongest because the essentials are bundled:

  • Transportation by a new, luxury boat
  • Snorkeling gear and life jackets
  • Drinks included during the day’s stops
  • A small group size (limited to 15 participants)
  • A live English-speaking guide
  • Two crew members on each boat

So you’re not paying extra for basic water gear or getting stuck arranging transportation yourself. For a day built around swimming, that matters.

What’s not included is also clear: towels and food. That’s the main budgeting item you’ll control. Bring a towel and carry some cash (the tour data specifically flags cash), and you’ll be set for snacks and meals at your preferred pace.

What to bring so the day feels effortless

Bring what helps you actually enjoy the water time:

  • Swimwear and beachwear (you don’t want to waste time changing)
  • Towel (not provided)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • A sun hat and comfortable clothes
  • Comfortable shoes for the Old Town walking
  • Camera and cash

Also, if you’re wearing contacts or you get watery eyes in spray, sunglasses are more than style—they make the day more comfortable.

Who should book this Dubrovnik boat and city combo

This tour fits best if you want a balanced day: water activities first, then culture at the end.

You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

  • Want to snorkel with gear included
  • Like island walking with small breaks for swimming and photos
  • Prefer a small group day (up to 15 people)
  • Plan to spend time in Dubrovnik’s Old Town after the sea

It’s not suitable if you:

  • Have back problems, heart problems, or use a wheelchair
  • Are prone to seasickness
  • Want a slow, fully grounded day with minimal boat motion

Should you book this tour in Dubrovnik?

Yes—if your dream day is Blue Cave swimming, Elaphiti Island breaks, and then a finish inside Dubrovnik’s UNESCO Old City. The $70 price feels fair for a guided day that includes boat transport, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and drinks, all without needing extra rentals.

If you’re sensitive to boat motion, or if you need a totally low-impact day, skip it and look for a land-based city tour instead. Your comfort is the deciding factor here.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 6 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Lapadska obala 5.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with life jackets.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is not included. Drinks are included, but meals are not.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes. There is a live tour guide in English.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

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